This guide provides a complete walkthrough for creating a polished, everyday look using Thrive Cosmetics makeup. We focus on the specific techniques needed to get the best results from their unique, high-performance formulas, like their famous tubing mascara and multi-use cream sticks. Whether you're new to the brand or want to perfect your application method, this step-by-step process will help you achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish. This tutorial covers everything from skin preparation to the final setting spray.
Fast Answer
- Core Method: Start with a perfectly prepped skin base. Apply foundation and concealer, then define eyes with their signature tubing mascara and waterproof eyeliner. Add a healthy flush of colour with multi-use sticks for cheeks and lips, and finish by setting the look for all-day wear.
Before You Start
Proper preparation is the key to a flawless makeup application that lasts all day. Before you begin, gather your products and tools, and ensure your skin is ready. Thrive Cosmetics products are known for their skin-friendly ingredients, but starting with a clean, hydrated canvas makes a significant difference.
- A clean and moisturised face: Start with your regular skincare routine, ending with moisturiser and sunscreen.
- Makeup Primer: A product like Thrive Causemetics' Filtered Effects Blurring Primer to create a smooth base.
- Base Products: A foundation or tinted moisturiser (e.g., Buildable Blur CC Cream) and a concealer (e.g., Buildable Blur Concealer).
- Eye Products: An eye primer, eyeshadow (e.g., Brilliant Eye Brightener), eyeliner (e.g., Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner), and their Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara.
- Brow Product: A brow pencil or gel to shape and fill (e.g., Instant Brow Fix Shaping Eyebrow Gel).
- Colour Products: A cream-based blush, bronzer, or multi-use stick (e.g., Triple Threat Color Stick).
- Lip Product: A lipstick, gloss, or tinted balm (e.g., Sheer Strength Hydrating Lip Tint).
- Setting Product: A translucent powder or a setting spray to lock everything in place.
- Tools: A collection of clean makeup brushes, a damp makeup sponge, and an eyelash curler.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Canvas: Skin Prep and Primer
The first and most important step is preparing your skin. Makeup applies more smoothly and lasts longer on a well-hydrated surface. After completing your morning skincare routine (cleanser, serum, moisturiser, and SPF), allow the products to fully absorb for at least 5-10 minutes.
Once your skin is ready, take a pea-sized amount of primer. Using your fingertips, gently smooth it over your face, focusing on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) or any areas where you have larger pores or fine lines. The primer creates a barrier between your skin and makeup, helping to control oil and create a velvety base. Let the primer set for a full minute before moving on.
Create an Even Base: Foundation and Concealer
With your skin primed, it's time to even out your complexion. If using the Buildable Blur CC Cream, start with a small amount. Dot the product onto the centre of your face-forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Using a damp makeup sponge, a foundation brush, or your fingers, blend the product outwards towards your hairline and jawline. The formula is buildable, so you can add another thin layer to areas that need more coverage.
Next, apply concealer. Use a small, pointed applicator to place a few dots of concealer under your eyes, near the inner corner, and over any blemishes or areas of redness. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to thicken slightly, which increases its coverage. Then, gently tap and blend the edges with your ring finger or a small brush until it melts into your foundation. Avoid rubbing or dragging the product.
Define Brows and Brighten Eyes
Well-defined brows frame the face and complete your look. Use a brow gel or pencil to gently fill in any sparse areas using short, hair-like strokes. Brush through with a spoolie to blend the product and set the hairs in place for a natural, polished look.
For your eyes, start with a thin layer of eye primer to prevent creasing and make your eyeshadow last all day. Then, take a cream eyeshadow stick like the Brilliant Eye Brightener. Glide the stick directly onto your eyelid. You can use your finger or a dense brush to quickly blend the colour up towards your crease. These formulas often set quickly, so it's best to apply and blend one eye at a time. For an extra touch, dab a lighter, shimmery shade on the inner corner of your eye and along your brow bone to create a bright, awake look.
Apply Eyeliner for Added Definition
Eyeliner helps to define the shape of your eyes and makes your lashes appear fuller. Using a pencil like the Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner, gently trace your upper lash line. You can create a thin, subtle line or a thicker, more dramatic one depending on your preference. To make your eyes appear larger, avoid drawing a heavy line on your lower lash line; a soft, smudged line on the outer third is often more flattering.
If you prefer a softer, smokier effect, use the built-in smudger on the end of the pencil to gently blur the line immediately after application. The waterproof formula sets quickly, so you need to work fast to achieve the smudged look.
Master the Famous Tubing Mascara
Thrive Causemetics' Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara is a "tubing" mascara. Instead of painting lashes with pigment like traditional formulas, it wraps each individual lash in water-resistant, tube-like polymers. This is why it doesn't smudge or flake.
First, curl your eyelashes for maximum lift. Then, place the mascara wand at the very base of your upper lashes and wiggle it back and forth as you sweep upwards to the tips. This ensures every lash is coated. Apply one even coat from base to tip. For more volume and length, you can apply a second coat immediately, while the first is still slightly wet. If you wait for the first coat to dry completely, the tubes will have already formed, and a second coat may become clumpy.
Add Warmth and Colour to Your Cheeks
Cream products give the skin a healthy, natural-looking glow. Using a multi-use product like the Triple Threat Color Stick is an easy way to add colour to your cheeks. You can either swipe the stick directly onto the apples of your cheeks or dab some onto your fingers or a brush first.
Smile gently to find the apples of your cheeks. Apply the colour there and blend it upwards and outwards towards your temples using your fingers, a damp sponge, or a stippling brush. This upward motion creates a lifted effect. Start with a small amount of product and build up the intensity to your desired level. The same stick can often be used for a light wash of colour on the lips or even as an eyeshadow base.
Complete the Look with Lip Colour
The final touch is a swipe of lip colour. For an easy, everyday look, a hydrating formula like the Sheer Strength Hydrating Lip Tint provides a wash of colour and moisture. Apply it directly from the bullet, starting at the centre of your lips and working your way outwards. You can press your lips together to distribute the colour evenly.
For a more defined look, you can outline your lips first with a lip liner that matches your chosen lip tint. This can also help the colour last longer and prevent it from feathering.
Set Your Makeup for All-Day Wear
To ensure your makeup stays in place all day, a final setting step is crucial. You have two main options: setting powder or setting spray.
If you have oily or combination skin, take a large, fluffy brush and lightly dust a translucent setting powder over your T-zone or any areas where you tend to get shiny. If you have dry skin or prefer a more radiant finish, a setting spray is an excellent choice. Hold the bottle about 20-30 centimetres (8-12 inches) from your face, close your eyes, and mist it in an 'X' and 'T' formation to cover your entire face. Let it air dry completely. This will lock everything in place and can also help melt the different layers of makeup together for a more skin-like finish.
Quick Reference
| Situation | Use This | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want a "no-makeup" makeup look | CC Cream, Eye Brightener, Mascara, Lip Tint | This combination provides a sheer, polished finish without looking or feeling like heavy makeup. |
| Your eyeliner always smudges | Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner | Its formula is designed for long wear and sets to a waterproof, transfer-proof finish that won't budge. |
| Your mascara flakes or gives you "racoon eyes" | Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara | The tubing formula won't flake, run, or smudge like traditional oil-based mascaras, even through humidity or tears. |
| You are short on time or travelling | Triple Threat Color Stick | This multi-use stick works for eyes, cheeks, and lips, allowing you to create a cohesive look with a single product. |
Common Problems When You Thrive Cosmetics Makeup
Even with great products, you might run into a few common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them.
Problem: My tubing mascara looks clumpy or spidery.
Cause: This usually happens for a few reasons: you're applying too many coats, you're letting each coat dry completely before adding another, or the mascara tube is old and has dried out.
Fix: For best results, apply one to two coats of mascara back-to-back, while the formula is still slightly wet and pliable. Before applying, wipe any excess product from the wand onto the rim of the tube. Remember to replace your mascara every three months to ensure the formula is fresh.
Problem: My cream blush or bronzer looks patchy.
Cause: Cream-to-powder formulas can sometimes look patchy if applied over very dry, un-prepped skin or if they aren't blended quickly enough before they set.
Fix: Always ensure your skin is well-moisturised before applying makeup. Apply the cream product to one area at a time (e.g., one cheek) and blend it immediately using your fingers, a damp sponge, or a dense brush. The warmth from your fingers can be especially helpful in melting the product into the skin for a seamless finish.
Problem: I can't get the mascara off!
Cause: This is the most common issue for first-time users of tubing mascara. You are likely using a traditional oil-based or micellar water makeup remover, which is ineffective against the polymer tubes.
Fix: Stop scrubbing! All you need is warm water. Saturate a flannel or cotton pads in warm (not hot) water and hold them against your closed eyes for at least 30 seconds. This will dissolve the bond of the tubes. Afterwards, you should be able to gently slide the tubes right off your lashes with your fingertips or the wet cloth. They will look like tiny fibres or lashes, but don't worry-it's just the mascara.
Advanced Tips for Thrive Cosmetics Makeup
Once you've mastered the basics, try these techniques to get even more out of your products.
- Contour with an Eye Brightener: The Brilliant Eye Brightener isn't just for highlighting. Choose a neutral, matte brown shade (like 'Muna') and apply it directly into the crease of your eyelid. Blend it out with a brush for instant, soft definition that takes only seconds.
- Create a Custom Lip Colour: For a longer-lasting and unique lip shade, apply a Triple Threat Color Stick to your lips as a base colour, then layer a Sheer Strength Hydrating Lip Tint on top. This adds dimension and improves wear time.
- Use Concealer as an Eyeshadow Base: If you don't have an eye primer, a tiny dot of the Buildable Blur Concealer blended over your eyelids works wonders. It neutralises any discolouration and creates a tacky base that helps powder eyeshadows adhere better and appear more vibrant.
- "Underpaint" with Your Colour Stick: For an incredibly natural, "lit-from-within" glow, try applying your cream blush or bronzer before your foundation. Apply it more intensely than you normally would, then apply a sheer layer of your CC cream on top. The colour will peek through softly and seamlessly.
Thrive Cosmetics Makeup FAQ
Is Thrive Cosmetics good for beginners?
Yes, the brand is very beginner-friendly. Many of their products are multi-purpose (like the colour sticks), and the formulas are generally easy to blend. The tubing mascara is a standout product that is simple to apply and removes cleanly with just water once you learn the technique, which is often easier for beginners than dealing with stubborn waterproof formulas.
Are Thrive Cosmetics products vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes. Thrive Causemetics is well-known for its commitment to being 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The brand is certified by Leaping Bunny, which is a globally recognised standard for cruelty-free products, ensuring no animal testing is used in any stage of product development.
How do I choose the right Buildable Blur CC Cream shade online?
Most online makeup brands, including Thrive, have a shade-finder tool on their website. These tools often ask you questions about your skin tone, undertone, and how your skin reacts to the sun. It is also helpful to look at customer photos and reviews to see the shades on real people with similar complexions to your own. Knowing if your skin has cool (pink/red), warm (yellow/golden), or neutral undertones is the most helpful piece of information for finding a perfect match.
Can I use the Brilliant Eye Brightener stick as a face highlighter?
Absolutely. The light, shimmery shades of the Brilliant Eye Brightener work beautifully as a cream highlighter for the face. Simply glide the stick onto the high points of your face-the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, on your brow bone, and on your cupid's bow-and then gently tap to blend with your fingertip.
Final Checklist for Thrive Cosmetics Makeup
Before you head out, run through this quick final check to ensure your look is polished and set to last.
- Your skin was clean, moisturised, and primed before application.
- Your foundation and concealer are blended seamlessly, with no harsh lines at the jaw or hairline.
- All cream products (blush, bronzer, highlighter) are fully blended before they had a chance to set.
- Your tubing mascara is applied in thin, even coats without any clumps.
- Your final look has been locked in with a light dusting of powder or a mist of setting spray.
- You have a plan for removal: warm water and gentle pressure only for the mascara.
